Molten metal sampler for high and low oxygen applications

Abstract

A sampler for extracting a sample from a molten metal bath comprising 1) a carrier tube having an immersion end; 2) a sample chamber assembly disposed at the immersion end of the carrier tube comprising a cover plate and a housing comprising an immersion end having an opening; 3) an inflow conduit having a first end for receiving molten metal and a second end opposite the first end, the second end in communication with the opening, the opening configured to receive molten metal from the inflow conduit; 4) a measurement head in which the sample chamber and the inflow conduit second end are at least partially disposed; and 5a) a deoxidizer material disposed along a central axis of the inflow conduit, at least partially disposed within the measurement head proximate the inflow conduit second end, the inflow conduit comprising a first coupling means disposed at the inflow conduit second end, the deoxidizer material comprising a second coupling means to interact with the first coupling means on the inflow conduit to anchor the deoxidizer material at a location along the central axis of the inflow conduit, or 5b) a metal bushing coupling the inflow conduit to the sample chamber.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese Patent Application No. 201910488144.9, filed on June 5, 2019, entitled "Molten Metal Sampler for High Oxygen and Low Oxygen Applications". Invention Field

[0002] This invention relates to a sampler for extracting samples from molten metal baths, particularly molten steel baths, in both high-oxygen and low-oxygen applications. Background of the Invention

[0003] During the processing of metals in their molten state, representative samples of the molten metal must be obtained at various stages of the process to, for example, analyze or evaluate the chemical composition or metallographic structure of the metal samples. Different methods for analyzing molten metals during manufacturing and further processing are known in the art.

[0004] In the past, the composition of solidified metal samples was typically determined using Spark-OES (spark-optical emission spectroscopy) equipment. Spark-OES involves exciting atoms in a target sample whose composition needs to be known, and detecting the wavelengths of photons emitted by these atoms as they transition from excited to lower energy states. Each element in the periodic table is a characteristic set of discrete wavelengths emitted when its atoms return from excited to lower energy states. By detecting and analyzing these wavelengths, the elemental composition of the sample can be determined based on calibration curves, thereby showing the relationship between the spectral intensity ratio (i.e., the absolute radiant power of the element / absolute radiant power of the base metal) and the elemental concentration in the standard sample.

[0005] To ensure the sample lies flat across the spectrometer's analytical opening, the metal sample must be without any extension and its analytical surface must be smooth. Neither the sample nor its housing should disrupt the flatness of the analytical surface. The sample must span the spectrometer's analytical opening and be sufficiently flat to facilitate inert gas purging of the spark chamber and to ensure a continuous sample surface facing the anode.

[0006] The procedures and methods used to obtain representative analyses of metals are well known in the art, as described in Dulski, TRA Manual for the Chemical Analysis of Metals, ASTM International, 1996. It has been generally believed until now that metal samples and the instruments used for their analysis are independent of each other, and therefore one does not affect the other.

[0007] Conventional sampling devices for providing solid metal coupons or discs for spectroscopic analysis are known. The geometry and dimensions of the solidified metal coupons obtained through such sampling devices are sometimes specifically tailored to the metal type or metallographic requirements. A general category of samples obtained through immersion devices for Spark-OES analysis consists of samples with a disc or elliptical shape and a diameter or long length of 28 to 40 mm. Most typically, such samples have a diameter or long side length of approximately 32 mm and a thickness of 4 to 12 mm. Some samplers, often called lollipop samplers, can produce samples of different shapes, from circular to elliptical or longer, according to user requirements, but most samples still have a diameter or long side length of approximately 32 mm. Other samplers, often called dual-thickness samplers, incorporate two thicknesses within the same sample.

[0008] A typical sampling device designed to obtain molten metal samples for analysis by Spark-OES includes a sample chamber or mold cavity configured to be filled with molten metal when the sampling device is immersed in a molten metal bath. The mold defining the mold cavity or sampling chamber is typically a two-piece clamshell arrangement or a ring covered by plates on its upper and lower sides. Once the metal sample has solidified, the mold is discarded and the sample is transferred to Spark-OES for analysis.

[0009] U.S. Patent No. 3,646,816 describes this type of disposable immersion sampler, in which the flat surface of the disc-shaped sample is formed by a chill-plate for faster freezing and a pair of smoother surfaces requiring less cleaning before analysis. Other prior art patents, such as U.S. Patent No. 4,211,117, relate to similar concepts, while U.S. Patent Nos. 4,401,389 and 5,415,052 provide examples of combining this metallurgical sample with other sensors, one of which may be a temperature sensor.

[0010] Samples prepared using conventional sampling equipment typically have a diameter of approximately 32 mm in the direction parallel to the spectrometer opening and a thickness of 4 to 12 mm in the direction perpendicular to the spectrometer opening. It has been found that cured samples of conventional thickness require 0.8 to 5 mm of surface grinding from the cast surface to achieve an analytical surface free of metal and non-metal segregation. This surface condition can only be achieved after a preparation process to create a geometry that typically has a diameter of at least 28 mm in the direction parallel to the spectrometer opening and a thickness that is typically less than 12 mm in the direction perpendicular to the opening. This after-preparation geometry is usually achieved by pre-analytical preparation equipment that mechanically grinds the sample surface and is also convenient for operation by a robotic arm that advances the sample from preparation to analysis and then removes it to await the next sample.

[0011] Eliminating the need for surface preparation shortens analysis time and is economically advantageous for metal producers. Various solutions to this problem are described in EP3336513A1, EP3336514A1, EP3336512A1, and EP3336511A1. These documents relate to direct analysis DA samplers, a newly developed class of molten metal immersion samplers that produce DA samples. DA samples require no surface preparation before analysis, thus offering significant economic benefits in terms of providing timely chemical results and saving laboratory time by utilizing OES analysis methods. Specifically, the aforementioned prior art describes uniformly filling the sample chamber and rapidly cooling the molten metal sample to uniformly freeze the entire sample segment for analysis, preferably without surface oxidation. The heat content of the solidified metal is reduced before removing it from the sampling chamber mold to bring the sampled metal to near room temperature. The resulting sample has a smaller volume than that described in the prior art, thus avoiding the hindrance of rapid solidification of the molten metal sample due to unnecessarily large sample volumes. Therefore, the samples described in EP3336513A1, EP3336514A1, EP3336512A1 and EP3336511A1 can be analyzed by Spark-OES without surface preparation, thereby yielding potential economic benefits.

[0012] DA samplers used for high-oxygen applications (such as in converter processes, electric arc furnace (EAF) processes, or ladle treatment) typically contain deoxidizing materials. For example, in ladle treatment, steel is deoxidized using aluminum or silicon, depending on the grade requirements. When high-oxygen steel is cooled without adding a deoxidizer, oxygen is released. This released oxygen recombines with carbon in the liquid steel to form CO bubbles. This reaction is quite vigorous. In the case of frozen steel, these bubbles become trapped in the solidified structure.

[0013] Therefore, samplers designed for high-oxygen applications need to contain deoxidizing materials. Aluminum is commonly used as a deoxidizing material. However, other materials such as zirconium and / or titanium can also be used.

[0014] The amount of deoxidizing material in the sampler is typically on the order of approximately 0.2 to 0.3% of the sample mass. Many different methods of adding deoxidizing material to the sampler are known, the most common being foil in the sampler's inlet conduit or some kind of rivet at the end of the inlet conduit. The aforementioned methods of adding deoxidizing materials, such as aluminum, are not suitable for use in conjunction with an argon purging period before sample filling. The rivet melts and dissolves in the steel bath before filling begins. The use of foil, usually applied in an S-shape, relies on the friction between the aluminum and the quartz tube for fixation. This friction is insufficient to withstand the purging forces, and the aluminum weakens due to preheating from the bath. Applying glue or cement to achieve this fixation can negatively impact analytical output. Experiments have shown that samples exhibiting extremely high or low aluminum content can also show significant deviations in other analytes, particularly carbon.

[0015] In standard samples with a typical sample weight of approximately 100 grams, such as lollypop samples, there is much more time available for the deoxidizer material to dissolve, and these samples are ground to a depth of 0.8 mm to produce a clean, uniform analytical surface. Even where the first steel to enter may lose some carbon, this is often found in small corners of the sample at the far end, away from the entry point. However, typical DA samples have a mass of 3 to 10 grams and exhibit a thickness of less than 4 mm, mostly around 2 mm. Despite the extremely small sample size, the time available to achieve a uniform distribution of the added deoxidizer material within the sample—i.e., a very short filling time—and the high content of deoxidizer material typically found in layers on the outer surface of the sample is unacceptable. The fact that most high-oxygen applications, especially converter applications, have very wide temperature and oxygen ranges exacerbates this problem. Obtaining good results at the outer end of this operating range is crucial. A total temperature range of approximately 1550°C to 1750°C and an oxygen range of 100 to 2000 ppm can be considered. Values ​​even appearing outside this range should be considered exceptions. It should also be mentioned that, in this application, the sampling process is carried out using an automated immersion lance. Due to methodological biases and wear of the container liner, the immersion depth can vary from approximately 20 cm to 1 meter. This variation in immersion depth leads to significant deviations in sample filling rate. A further problem is the fact that these samples are extracted during steel processing, making it impossible to compare analytical values ​​with other analytical values.

[0016] Therefore, the first objective of this invention is to incorporate deoxidizer materials in a manner that avoids the aforementioned problems.

[0017] Samplers of known prior art, designed for use in low-oxygen applications, also produce erroneous measurement results due to carbon and hydrogen components, i.e. hydrocarbons, emitted from the glue and cement used to assemble the sample chamber assembly.

[0018] Traditionally, the inflow conduit is mounted to the housing of the sample chamber assembly in a substantially hermetically sealed manner. When the sampler is immersed in molten metal, the immersion end of the inflow conduit comes into contact with the molten metal. The material of the inflow conduit, such as quartz, dissipates heat to the sample chamber assembly and preheats the mold formed by the cover and housing. Components present at this location begin to decompose. Carbonaceous components begin to release carbonaceous gases, which further condense within the mold. Furthermore, once the sample chamber is filled, these components form and condense on the sample surface. Although the sample is intended to be a preparation-free sample, this condensation can affect analytical results and produce erroneous carbon readings.

[0019] Therefore, a second object of the present invention is to provide a sampler that provides a sample from which accurate carbon readings can be obtained. Invention Overview

[0020] This invention provides a sampler for extracting samples from a molten metal bath, particularly a molten steel bath, the sampler comprising:

[0021] A carrier tube with an immersion end;

[0022] A sample chamber assembly disposed at the immersion end of a carrier tube, the sample chamber assembly comprising a cover and a housing, wherein the housing includes an immersion end having an opening;

[0023] An inflow conduit having a first end for receiving molten metal and a second end opposite to the first end, wherein the second end is in communication with the opening, wherein the opening is configured to receive molten metal from the inflow conduit;

[0024] A measuring head, wherein the sample chamber and the second end of the inflow conduit are at least partially disposed within the measuring head; and

[0025] A deoxidizing agent material is arranged along the central axis of the inflow conduit, wherein at least a portion of the deoxidizing agent material is arranged near the second end of the inflow conduit within the measuring head, and wherein the inflow conduit includes a first coupling means arranged at the second end of the inflow conduit, wherein the deoxidizing agent material includes a second coupling means to interact with the first coupling means on the inflow conduit to anchor the deoxidizing agent material at a position along the central axis of the inflow conduit.

[0026] Advantageously, the rigidly mounted and fixed deoxidizer material can dissolve in the steel entering the inner cavity before the first steel entering can cool the inner cavity of the sample chamber formed by the cover plate and the shell. The deoxidizer material arranged along the central axis in the entry path of the sample chamber can withstand the force of the purge gas during purging, the force of the liquid steel entering the unit during filling, and the deoxidizer material can also dissolve immediately at the first moment of filling, i.e., because the material is not pushed against the sidewalls.

[0027] It has been surprisingly found that the configuration according to the invention minimizes the force of the purge gas during the preheating of the sampler in the molten metal bath and minimizes the preheating of the deoxidizer material caused by the steel bath (which weakens the deoxidizer material). This allows the deoxidizer to be installed very close to the immersion end of the measuring head, even at a position of 200 to 300°C during purging. This position is easily measured in any type of measuring head and is a preferred mounting / anchoring location.

[0028] In one embodiment, the deoxidizer material comprises aluminum. Although aluminum has an extremely low melting point, it is the preferred deoxidizer material because other high-melting-point materials such as zirconium do not melt and need to be dissolved in liquid steel. This is much more time-consuming and cannot be used across the entire application range when used for small DA-type samples. However, other materials, such as zirconium and / or titanium, can also be used.

[0029] In another embodiment, the deoxidizer material is formed into a flat sheet having a thickness of 0.05 to 0.2 mm, more preferably 0.1 to 0.15 mm, and most preferably 0.125 mm.

[0030] Thicker materials exhibit poor results in low-temperature applications, while in high-temperature applications, thinner deoxidizer sheets cannot withstand the forces of the incoming molten steel after preheating.

[0031] In yet another embodiment, the amount of deoxidizer material is equivalent to 0.1% to 0.5% of the sample mass, preferably 0.2% to 0.3%.

[0032] In another embodiment, the inflow conduit contains a quartz material, preferably fused quartz.

[0033] In another embodiment, the first coupling means is achieved by at least one, preferably two, grooves in the material of the inflow conduit arranged toward the second end of the inflow conduit, and wherein the second coupling means is achieved by at least one, preferably two, protrusions to interact with the first coupling means on the inflow conduit to anchor the deoxidizer material at a position along the central axis of the inflow conduit.

[0034] In another embodiment, the first coupling means is achieved by at least one, preferably two, protrusions in the material of the inflow conduit arranged toward the second end of the inflow conduit, and wherein the second coupling means is achieved by at least one, preferably two, grooves to interact with the first coupling means on the inflow conduit to anchor the deoxidizer material at a position along the central axis of the inflow conduit.

[0035] In one embodiment, the deoxidizing agent material added for deoxidation can be divided into two parts. The first part, which reacts with oxygen, dissolves in the liquid steel and reacts to form alumina (exothermic reaction), while the second part dissolves in the steel microstructure (endothermic reaction). When the aluminum is located in a cooler region within the inflow conduit, less time and energy are required for the aluminum to dissolve in the steel.

[0036] Poorly dissolved aluminum can cause significant analytical bias in almost all elements.

[0037] In one embodiment, the first and second coupling means are adapted to resist the force of the purge gas injecting the deoxidizer material into the molten metal bath.

[0038] The present invention also provides a sampler for extracting samples from a molten metal bath, particularly a molten steel bath, the sampler comprising:

[0039] A carrier tube with an immersion end;

[0040] A sample chamber assembly disposed at the immersion end of a carrier tube, the sample chamber assembly comprising a cover and a housing, wherein the housing includes an immersion end having an opening;

[0041] An inflow conduit having a first end for receiving molten metal and a second end opposite to the first end, wherein the second end is in communication with the opening, wherein the opening is configured to receive molten metal from the inflow conduit;

[0042] A measuring head, wherein the sample chamber and the second end of the inflow conduit are at least partially disposed within the measuring head; and

[0043] A metal bushing, wherein the metal bushing couples the inflow conduit to the sample chamber.

[0044] Advantageously, by using a metal bushing to couple the inflow conduit to the sample chamber, no glue or cement is used for the coupling of these two components. This is because any glue or cement applied to the inflow conduit within the measuring head in the area directly communicating with the sample chamber will burn and decompose during the preheating phase of the sampler. Glue and cement applied to the outside of the immersion end of the measuring head, even in small amounts, will also burn or decompose and dissolve in the liquid steel bath during the purging period. Therefore, it is preferable that the thickness of the metal bushing be as low as possible, for example, not exceeding 1 mm, for the purging period of 5 seconds after reaching the deepest immersion point in the liquid steel bath.

[0045] The inflow conduit arranged in a metal bushing can also be fixed in place during immersion by the hydrostatic pressure of the molten iron, and the molten steel that seeps into the small gap between the inflow conduit and the metal bushing will freeze. However, it is sufficient to hold the inflow conduit in place by friction alone with the bushing.

[0046] An additional benefit of this assembly is its mechanical stability and ease of manufacture. Another additional benefit is improved sample retention in the mold. After the sampler is immersed in the bath, the immersion head falls to the ground and / or the measuring head is removed to retract the sampler. In both cases, the inflow conduit may rupture. This rupture can extend to the upper end of the inflow conduit in the sample chamber, resulting in insufficient sample retention. Excellent sample retention in the sample chamber can be achieved by moving the end of the inflow conduit towards the immersion end of the measuring head.

[0047] In one embodiment, the metal bushing is adapted to extend from the sample chamber assembly to the first end of the inflow conduit.

[0048] Advantageously, the use of a metal bushing extending from the sample chamber assembly to the first end or immersion end of the inflow conduit allows for dry installation, i.e., installation without the use of glue and / or cement. Such a metal bushing may have a length of approximately 40 mm, with approximately 20 mm located outside the immersion end of the measuring head.

[0049] A highly advantageous feature is the application of a metal bushing to the immersion end of the measuring head. Advantageously, such a bushing increases the permanent outer diameter around the inlet pin. Due to the purging period, the inflow conduit is preheated and does not harden outside the immersion end of the measuring head. After sampling, the sampler can be lowered to the shop floor and the sample can be retrieved by hammering. This force is sufficient to bend the hot inlet pin. The metal bushing prevents this bending. If the pin bends towards the analytical surface of the sample, the sample cannot be placed on the Spark-OES instrument without spending considerable time removing the pin.

[0050] In another embodiment, the metal bushing has at least two different wall thicknesses and / or diameters along its length.

[0051] The metal bushing can have different wall thicknesses and diameters along its length. The wall thickness of the metal bushing outside the measuring head can be minimized, and heat transfer to the sample can be minimized through localized reduction of the wall thickness without reducing the required mechanical strength. Such a metal bushing can be made from several press-fitting parts, or even machined from a single metal piece. Both configurations are considered to be within the scope of the invention. It is conceivable to lower the immersion end of the sampler closer to the immersion end of the measuring head without changing the length of the inflow conduit, but this would generate a high heat flux from the steel bath to the sampler.

[0052] In one embodiment, the metal bushing comprises aluminum material.

[0053] In another embodiment, the inflow conduit contains a quartz material, preferably a fused quartz material.

[0054] In another embodiment, the metal bushing has a length of 10 to 40 mm, an inner diameter of 4 mm, and an outer diameter of 6 mm.

[0055] In one embodiment, a metal bushing is pressed into the sample chamber to couple the inflow conduit to the sample chamber.

[0056] In another embodiment, the sampler includes a measuring head supported on a carrier tube and adapted to accommodate at least a portion of a sample chamber, wherein at least a portion of a metal bushing extends beyond the measuring head.

[0057] In one embodiment, the sampler includes a protective cap connected to a first end of the inflow conduit.

[0058] In another embodiment, the bushing includes grooves on the outer surface of the bushing to minimize heat transfer to the sample chamber assembly. Brief description of the attached diagram

[0059] The following schematic diagrams illustrate aspects of the invention in connection with some exemplary illustrations to improve understanding of the invention, wherein

[0060] Figure 1 and 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of a sampler according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0061] Figure 3 and 4 A schematic cross-sectional view of a sampler according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown; and

[0062] Figure 5 show Figure 4 The detail 'A'.

[0063] Detailed Explanation

[0064] Figure 1 and 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of a sampler 1 for extracting a sample from a bath of molten metal according to a first embodiment of the invention is shown. The sampler 1 is adapted to be immersed in molten steel and to take a sample. The sampler 1 shown includes a measuring head 3 made of quartz sand that can be bonded with resin. The measuring head 3 is supported on a carrier tube 5, which may be a paper carrier tube. In use, it is preferable to insert a probe holder or lance (not shown) into the internal volume of the carrier tube 5 to provide the mechanical action necessary to immerse the measuring head 3 below the surface (not shown) of the molten metal bath in the immersion direction I.

[0065] The measuring head 3 includes a sample chamber assembly 7 for collecting and retrieving molten metal samples. As shown, the sample chamber assembly 7 is a two-part sample chamber consisting of a housing 9 and a cover plate 11. The housing 9 is preferably formed of one or more materials that are good thermal and electrical conductors, such as, but not limited to, aluminum, copper, and other metals with similar thermal and electrical conductivity, to electrically couple with the retrieved metal sample. The housing and cover plates 9, 11 of the sample chamber assembly 7 can be joined together by a clamp 13 with a compressive force sufficient to resist the tendency of the two parts 9, 11 of the sample chamber assembly 7 to separate due to the force of molten metal flowing into and filling the sample chamber assembly 7. The clamp 13 can be a metal clamp.

[0066] Figure 1 and 2 A measuring head 3 having a first end and an opposite second end is also shown. The first end of the measuring head 3 corresponds to the immersion end 15 of the measuring head 3. The second end of the measuring head 3 is configured to face the lance or probe holder. The sample chamber assembly 7 also has a first end and an opposite second end. The first end of the sample chamber assembly 7 corresponds to the immersion end 17 of the sample chamber assembly 7. Those skilled in the art will understand that the term "immersion end" refers to the main body end that is first immersed in the molten metal. The first end of the sample chamber assembly 7 is connected to an inflow conduit 19, which enters through an opening in the housing 9. The inflow conduit 19 allows molten metal to flow from the molten metal bath into the sample chamber assembly 7. Thus, molten metal is introduced into the sample chamber assembly 7 in an immersion direction I parallel to the central axis X of the sample chamber. The inflow conduit 19 may be made of quartz material, more preferably fused silica material.

[0067] Figure 1 and 2 The deoxidizer material 21, which may be aluminum, is also shown arranged along the central axis X of the inflow conduit 19. It can also be seen that a portion of the deoxidizer material 21 is arranged near the second end of the inflow conduit 19 within the measuring head 3.

[0068] exist Figure 1 and 2 The diagram also shows a first coupling means 23 at the inflow conduit 19, which can be implemented as a groove or protrusion in the material of the inflow conduit 19. The deoxidizer material 21 includes a second coupling means 25, which can be implemented as a protrusion interacting with a corresponding groove of the first coupling means 23, or vice versa. Because... Figure 1 and 2 The coupling means 23 and 25 shown in the figure allow the deoxidizer material 21 to be reliably positioned along the central axis X in the entry path of the sample chamber assembly 7, thus enabling it to withstand the force of the purging gas during purging and the force of the liquid steel entering the unit during filling.

[0069] Figure 1 and 2 An end cap 27 is also shown disposed at the first end of the inflow conduit 19. When the first end of the inflow conduit is immersed in molten metal, the end cap 27 melts, and the molten metal flows through the inflow conduit 19. Figure 1 and 2 The image further shows a metal bushing 29 that couples the inflow conduit 19 to the housing 9 of the sample chamber assembly 7. However, the metal bushing 29 is only optional for this embodiment. The inflow conduit 19 can also be bonded to the housing 9 using glue or cement.

[0070] Figure 3 and 4 A schematic cross-sectional view of a sampler 1' according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0071] The sampler 1' is suitable for immersion in molten steel and sampling. The sampler 1' shown includes a measuring head 3' made of resin-bonded quartz sand. The measuring head 3' is supported on a carrier tube 5', which can be a paper carrier tube. In use, it is preferable to insert a probe holder or lance (not shown) into the internal volume of the carrier tube 5' to provide the mechanical action necessary to immerse the measuring head 3' below the surface (not shown) of the molten metal bath in the immersion direction I.

[0072] The measuring head 3' includes a sample chamber assembly 7' for collecting and retrieving molten metal samples. As shown, the sample chamber assembly 7' is a two-piece sample chamber consisting of a housing 9' and a cover plate 11'. The housing 9' is preferably formed of one or more materials that are good thermal and electrical conductors, such as, but not limited to, aluminum, copper, and other metals with similar thermal and electrical conductivity properties, to electrically couple with the retrieved metal sample. The housing and cover plates 9', 11' of the sample chamber assembly 7' can be joined together by a clamp 13' with a compressive force sufficient to resist the tendency of the two parts 9', 11' of the sample chamber assembly 7' to separate due to the force of molten metal flowing into and filling the sample chamber assembly 7'. The clamp 13' can be a metal clamp.

[0073] Figure 3 and 4 A measuring head 3' with a first end and an opposite second end is also shown. The first end of the measuring head 3' corresponds to the immersion end 15'. The second end of the measuring head 3' is configured to face the lance or probe holder. The sample chamber assembly 7' also has a first end and an opposite second end. The first end of the sample chamber assembly 7' corresponds to the immersion end 17'. Those skilled in the art will understand that the term "immersion end" refers to the body end that is first immersed in the molten metal. The first end of the sample chamber assembly 7' is connected to an inflow conduit 19', which enters an opening in the housing 9'. The inflow conduit 19' allows molten metal to flow from the molten metal bath into the sample chamber assembly 7'. Thus, molten metal is introduced into the sample chamber assembly 7' in the opposite direction to the immersion direction I parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the sample chamber. The inflow conduit 19' may be made of quartz material, more preferably fused silica material.

[0074] like Figure 3 and 4 As shown, the sampler 1' also includes a metal bushing 29', which may be made of aluminum. The metal bushing 29' may have a length of 10 to 40 mm, an inner diameter of 4 mm, and an outer diameter of 6 mm. In the illustrated embodiment, the metal bushing 29' is pressed into the housing 9' of the sample chamber assembly 7' to couple the inflow conduit 19' to the sample chamber assembly 7'.

[0075] Figure 5 show Figure 4 Detail 'A'. As shown, the metal bushing 29' extends downward from the sample chamber assembly 7' to the first end of the inflow conduit 19' and thereby surrounds the inflow conduit 19'. It can also be seen that the metal bushing 29' has at least two different wall thicknesses and / or diameters along its length.

[0076] The features disclosed in the claims, description and drawings may be essential, individually or in any combination with each other, for different embodiments of the invention.

[0077] Figure Labels

[0078] 1.1' Sampler

[0079] 3. 3' measuring head

[0080] 5.5' carrier tube

[0081] 7. 7' Sample Chamber Assembly

[0082] 9.9' outer casing

[0083] 11, 11' cover plate

[0084] 13, 13' clamps

[0085] 15. Immersion end of the 15' measuring head

[0086] 17, 17' Immersion end of the sample chamber

[0087] 19, 19' inflow catheter

[0088] 21 Deoxidizer Materials

[0089] 23 First Coupling Method

[0090] 25 Second Coupling Method

[0091] 27, 27' end cap

[0092] 29, 29' metal bushing

[0093] A Detail

[0094] I. Immersion Direction

[0095] X-axis

Claims

1. A sampler for extracting a sample from a molten metal bath, the sampler comprising: A carrier tube with an immersion end; A sample chamber assembly disposed at the immersion end of a carrier tube, the sample chamber assembly comprising a cover and a housing, wherein the housing includes an immersion end having an opening; An inflow conduit having a first end for receiving molten metal and a second end opposite to the first end, wherein the second end is in communication with the opening, wherein the opening is configured to receive molten metal from the inflow conduit; A measuring head, wherein the sample chamber and the second end of the inflow conduit are at least partially disposed within the measuring head; and A metal bushing, wherein the metal bushing is pressed into the sample chamber to couple the inflow conduit to the sample chamber, wherein the wall thickness of the metal bushing outside the measuring head is minimized to minimize heat transfer to the sample chamber assembly.

2. The sampler according to claim 1, wherein the molten metal bath is a molten steel bath.

3. The sampler of claim 1, wherein the metal bushing is adapted to extend from the sample chamber assembly to the first end of the inflow conduit.

4. The sampler of claim 1, wherein the metal bushing has at least two different wall thicknesses and / or diameters along its length.

5. The sampler of claim 3, wherein the metal bushing has at least two different wall thicknesses and / or diameters along its length.

6. The sampler of claim 1, wherein the metal bushing comprises aluminum and / or the inflow conduit comprises quartz.

7. The sampler according to claim 6, wherein the quartz material is fused silica.

8. The sampler of claim 3, wherein the metal bushing comprises aluminum and / or the inflow conduit comprises quartz.

9. The sampler according to claim 8, wherein the quartz material is fused silica.

10. The sampler of claim 4, wherein the metal bushing comprises aluminum and / or the inflow conduit comprises quartz.

11. The sampler according to claim 10, wherein the quartz material is fused silica.

12. The sampler of claim 5, wherein the metal bushing comprises aluminum and / or the inflow conduit comprises quartz.

13. The sampler according to claim 12, wherein the quartz material is fused silica.

14. The sampler according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the metal bushing has a length of 10 to 40 mm, an inner diameter of 4 mm, and an outer diameter of 6 mm.

15. The sampler according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the sampler comprises a protective cap connected to a first end of the inflow conduit.

16. The sampler of claim 14, wherein the sampler includes a protective cap connected to a first end of the inflow conduit.

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